A free mentoring scheme for theatre writers has been set up specifically to address a lack of opportunities for playwrights working in the Welsh language.

Established by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, the country’s national Welsh-language theatre company, it is recruiting eight new and emerging writers to take part in a 10-month project, comprising workshops, mentorship and events.

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru artistic director Arwel Gruffyd said the company hoped to encourage a new generation of Welsh-language theatre writers through the scheme.

He added: “Opportunities for writers interested in Welsh-language theatre to attend professional workshops are rare. Rarer still are those opportunities for writers to see their work being presented by professional actors. Opportunities to experiment, to have a go at fulfilling an ambition and, yes, even to fail, are all essential elements of a thriving theatre environment in any language.”

The chosen writers will become part of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s new writers group, with workshops taking place across Wales from September, with experienced writers and directors.

The participants will also attend performances as part of the project, and will be given a period of time at the end of programme to write a new play, be given feedback on it and present it as a rehearsed reading at one of the partner venues.

Among the partners are broadcaster S4C, development company Literature Wales and venues including the Welsh Millennium Centre, Sherman Theatre, Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Theatr Cymru.

Applications are open until June 18.

The company’s training opportunities also include a playwriting award for female Welsh-language writers, which was launched last year.

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